Custodial sentencing

Question 1

aims of sentencing

Answer 1

1. deterrence - general and individual.
2. incapacitation- protect the public.
3. retribution - revenge for the act.
4. rehabilitation - e.g. treatment, life skills.

Question 2

psychological effects of sentencing

Answer 2

include stress, depression, institutionalisation and prisonisation (adopting the ‘inmate code’).

Question 3

recidivism

Answer 3

UK figures = about 45% after 1 year, rates vary according to time period, age, offence and country (e.g. Norway only 20%).

Question 4

evaluation: psychological effects

Answer 4

prison is demeaning (Bartol), suicides 9 times the norm, 25% of women and 15% men have psychosis (Prison Reform Trust).
COUNTERPOINT
offenders may have pre-existing psychological difficulties (importation).

Question 5

evaluation: training and treatment

Answer 5

offenders who take part in education are 43% less likely to reoffend (Shirley).

Question 6

evaluation: school for crime

Answer 6

learn criminal acts from more experienced prisoners and acquire criminal contacts.

Question 7

evaluation: the purpose of prisons

Answer 7

47% of people see the purpose of prison as punishment, 40% support a focus on reform and rehabilitation.